Camilla and Calvert, 23, can't wait for America to enter WWI so travel to England where their lives are turned upside down by war and ill-fated romancCamilla and Calvert, 23, can't wait for America to enter WWI so travel to England where their lives are turned upside down by war and ill-fated romance. Along with their two closest friends, Raymond, a dedicated airman, humble and self-educated, and Jenny, a Duke's daughter with no airs and graces, the twins face the travails of war far from Williamsburg......more

One of my all time favorites. Charity Selbourne is on vacation with her friend in Provence when she gets caught up into another family's crisis, whichOne of my all time favorites. Charity Selbourne is on vacation with her friend in Provence when she gets caught up into another family's crisis, which not only ruins her vacation but changes her life....more

This is the third in a trilogy (A Catch of Consequence, Taking Liberties) and Norman has not missed a beat. Her characters are unusual but very convinThis is the third in a trilogy (A Catch of Consequence, Taking Liberties) and Norman has not missed a beat. Her characters are unusual but very convincing. I expected this book to be primarily about Makepeace's daughter but Makepeace herself is still a major character, and is as candid and opinionated at 50 as ever. Philippa has developed into a thoughtful and mature woman, if perhaps anachronistic. I highly recommend this author but do suggest these books be read in order....more

This is an outstanding historical novel about the great-granddaughter of Charlemagne, forced by her father at a young age into a dynastic marriage witThis is an outstanding historical novel about the great-granddaughter of Charlemagne, forced by her father at a young age into a dynastic marriage with an elderly Anglo-Saxon king. Instead of moaning or refusing to do her duty, Judith vows to conduct herself with dignity and at all costs avoid causing feuds among her new husband's family.

If you ever get a chance to secure a copy of this book, splurge!...more

Enjoyable book about a group of French children, who get stranded over the Christmas holidays in a hotel in Monpierre.While they sleep, the rain-soakeEnjoyable book about a group of French children, who get stranded over the Christmas holidays in a hotel in Monpierre.While they sleep, the rain-soaked hillside collapses on the house, and the children are trapped. Unfortunately, no one is looking for them. When their vacation began, one of the children wrote happy messages on a stack of postcards and bribed a little girl in Montpierre to mail one to their parents every day. Thus, it is up to the children to rescue themselves - before it is too late!...more

Fabulous historical fiction about Alfred the Great's daughter, destined for a marriage of state. How can she show the courage necessary for one of herFabulous historical fiction about Alfred the Great's daughter, destined for a marriage of state. How can she show the courage necessary for one of her lineage as she leaves Britain for France to face her unknown bridegroom?

This is more or less a sequel to Judith of France, although takes place many years later. Leighton must have loved the earlier book to return to it long afterwards....more

I absolutely love this book about French orphan Perrine, who promises her dying mother that she will seek out the family that disowned her father forI absolutely love this book about French orphan Perrine, who promises her dying mother that she will seek out the family that disowned her father for marrying beneath him, and without revealing her identity, cause them to value her for herself.

I was introduced to this book by my elementary school friend, Carrie Bernstein (now a noted migraine specialist). Perrine's quest to find the family that has ignored her existence is very moving. I always gravitated towards orphan stories but what I particularly liked about this one was how resourceful the penniless Perrine was. She made herself clothing and shoes, she improvised with makeshift pots and pans when cooking, and she impressed hostile adults with her dignity even when shabbily dressed. The style is very mannered so I am not sure my nieces will love this book as much as I do, but I will do my best to introduce it to them....more

When Tash is dumped by her boyfriend, she decides to retreat to her mother's chateau in France, only to realize far more serious complications with meWhen Tash is dumped by her boyfriend, she decides to retreat to her mother's chateau in France, only to realize far more serious complications with men await her there......more

Orphan Linda Martin, accepting a seemingly desirable job as a governess in France, should have been suspicious of employers who seem relieved that sheOrphan Linda Martin, accepting a seemingly desirable job as a governess in France, should have been suspicious of employers who seem relieved that she has no family......more

Rosamond du Jardin was used to writing about fictional teenagers (the beloved Tobey Heydon, Penny and Pam Howard, etc.) but when her daughter Judy wenRosamond du Jardin was used to writing about fictional teenagers (the beloved Tobey Heydon, Penny and Pam Howard, etc.) but when her daughter Judy went to spend her junior year of college in Aix-en-Provence, the letters she sent home were so vivid and entertaining that Rosamond thought they would make an unusual book.

Judy and her new friend Rusty, a sorority girl from the University of Iowa, begin having adventures in New York, even before they boarded a ship for France. When they arrive in Aix the young women settle down in a pleasant boarding house (with few restrictions on showers - on my sister's French exchange many years later access to the bathroom was through the bedroom of the host parents, which was awkward) with another 23 students who form their exchange program. A whole week goes by without a date for either Judy or Russ, which both find quite shocking. Ah, the 50s! However, soon they have accumulated a group of friends and begin to have a social life, even if it does not resemble what they had experienced at college.

There is more mention of European travel than of any academic subject, and surprisingly Judy finds the work so easy she has too much free time on her hands. Both she and Rusty spend far too much time moaning about their love life but still manage to cover a lot of ground before the school year ends and it is time to return to the U.S.

A college sophomore (at a college, I believe, based on Earlham, which the author attended) spends a year in Paris, as an au pair to family friends, heA college sophomore (at a college, I believe, based on Earlham, which the author attended) spends a year in Paris, as an au pair to family friends, helping with housework and their baby....more

As part of a year long homage to Patricia Wentworth, I have tracked down some of her rarest titles. In this, set in the 1790s and her only historical,As part of a year long homage to Patricia Wentworth, I have tracked down some of her rarest titles. In this, set in the 1790s and her only historical, newly orphaned Aline de Rochambeau travels to Paris to take refuge with a cousin before an arranged marriage. Fresh from a convent, Aline is at first unaware that her wordly cousin, Madame de Montargis, and Aline's unattractive fiance, Vicomte Selincourt, are lovers. Luckily, as both are unappealing, they are arrested and sentenced to the guillotine, where they die better than they lived.

Friendless, Aline is rescued by a shrewd Frenchwoman who appropriates Aline's money and pearls, but feeds her, albeit as little as possible. Aline embroiders to support herself, and becomes the amanuensis of a very worthy young Republican, Jacques Dangeau, who is captivated by her quiet beauty although disapproving of her artistocratic background and beliefs. When Aline is reported to the police, Dangeau marries her to protect her life, but although she returns his affection she refuses to compromise her standards after he votes for the death of Louis XVI. Usually, couples with problems to work out do not have to worry about the French Revolution...

Fan of Wentworth will not recognize her usual mystery style as this book more resembles A Tale of Two Cities but I enjoyed it....more